A Season of Leadership, Gratitude, and New Beginnings at Wylie ISD
In school districts, just like in families, change has a way of arriving in seasons. And this winter, as the hallways of Wylie East Intermediate echo with the familiar sounds of morning chatter and zipping backpacks, a new chapter is quietly—and confidently—taking shape.
It’s a chapter filled with gratitude for the past, certainty for the future, and a whole lot of heart in between. Because at Wylie ISD, leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about service. It’s about trust. And it’s about loving kids deeply enough to build a place where they feel safe, known, and ready to soar.
This season, we celebrate two leaders stepping into new roles—Mr. Ricky Bacon, who will become Wylie ISD’s Director of Transportation, and Mrs. Liz Carey, who will become the next principal of Wylie East Intermediate. And woven through both promotions is a heartfelt thank-you to Mr. Kelly Conder, who is retiring after years of dedicated service to our students, staff, and families.
Honoring a Legacy of Service: Thank You, Mr. Conder
Transportation isn’t the kind of job that starts with applause. In fact, it starts long before the sun comes up.
For years, Kelly Conder has been the steady hand guiding a department that safely delivers thousands of students to campuses, ballfields, competitions, and home again—every single day. His leadership has spanned seasons of enrollment growth, staffing challenges, and the ever-shifting puzzle of routes, weather, and needs.
Superintendent Joey Light put it best:
“Kelly has led our transportation department during years of district enrollment growth and a challenging landscape as far as resources are concerned. A special thanks to Kelly for his hard work and dedication.”
Kelly leaves behind a department strengthened by his care—a legacy the district deeply appreciates.
And now, the baton passes to someone who has walked nearly every mile of Wylie ISD life.
From the Heart of WE>I to the Heart of Wylie ISD: Ricky Bacon Steps Into Transportation Director
If you’ve ever visited Wylie East Intermediate on a typical morning, you’ve likely seen Mr. Bacon greeting kids with high fives, fist bumps, and a grin big enough to brighten a Monday.
And while his office will soon sit in a different part of the district, his heart for kids—and for Wylie—hasn’t budged an inch.
With 27 years in the district as a teacher, coach, bus driver, assistant principal, and principal, Ricky brings a rare blend of experience and connection.
As he steps into the Transportation Director role, his focus is clear:
“My top priorities are student safety, operational efficiency, and positive relationships. I want to ensure our buses remain safe, our routes are consistent and timely, and our drivers are supported and valued.”
He also shared what makes transportation such a meaningful responsibility:
“This opportunity will impact thousands of our students daily. Every role in a school system matters, whether it’s a bus route, a cafeteria interaction, or a classroom moment. I will always be an advocate for kids.”
When asked what he’ll miss about WEI, he didn’t hesitate:
“There’s nothing quite like the excitement of an intermediate campus—the laughter in the hallways, the lightbulb moments, the energy of our kids. The WE>I culture is special.”
Superintendent Light echoed his confidence in Ricky’s leadership:
“Mr. Bacon is a servant leader. His experience and heart for students make him the right choice for this role.”
And as for the campus he’s leaving behind—he knows it’s in good hands.
A Bulldog Through and Through: Liz Carey Takes the Helm at Wylie East Intermediate
Step into a Wylie classroom in the early morning and you’ll find little moments that make this place feel like home—sticky notes on desks, warm greetings at the door, a teacher kneeling down to meet a student eye-to-eye. For Mrs. Liz Carey, that feeling isn’t abstract. It’s personal.
She began her Wylie journey in 2001 as a first grader, later graduating as part of the 2013 State Championship Volleyball team. After college, she returned to teach at Wylie West Elementary, eventually moving into the Assistant Principal role in 2022.
Now, she steps into the role of principal at Wylie East Intermediate—a place she already feels deeply connected to.
So what drew her to WEI?
“This age group is at a pivotal stage of academic, social, and emotional development. I want to create an environment that supports their growing independence and confidence. I’m passionate about continuing the positive culture where students feel safe, valued, and motivated.”
Liz is especially excited about WEI’s existing strengths:
“The strong culture, the dedicated staff, the enthusiastic students—this campus already has a wonderful foundation. I look forward to contributing to the great work already happening.”
Her leadership will be guided by values that feel woven into the fabric of Wylie itself:
“Relationships, equity, collaboration, and a growth mindset—always focusing on what’s best for students.”
And if families are wondering whether she understands the heart of Wylie, Ricky himself offered reassurance:
“Ms. Carey brings the knowledge of Wylie expectations, an impeccable work ethic, and a deep love for students. She is a servant-leader through and through and will be a phenomenal addition to our WE>I family.”
Beyond her love for teaching and leadership, Liz is also a proud mom.
Her daughter Scarlett is in pre-K at Wylie Early Childhood, and her younger daughter Avery is two. She and her husband, Kegan—an AFD firefighter—spend weekends cheering on Texas Tech, playing with cousins, and enjoying life in the community they’ve always called home.
She smiled as she shared:
“I’m thrilled for the year ahead and can’t wait to meet each student, family, and staff member. It’s great to be a Wylie Bulldog!”
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A Transition Rooted in Care, Stability, and Confidence
With any change—especially a leadership transition—families naturally have questions.
But Superintendent Light wants parents to feel confident and supported:
“Wylie ISD continues to put the needs of our students at the heart of everything we do. These promotions will continue our drive to improve all facets of the school district. Ricky and Elizabeth are knowledgeable of our district and are strong leaders who will make this a smooth transition.”
And that’s really the heart of this story:
A trusted leader moving into a role where thousands of students depend on safe, smooth transportation every day.
A former Wylie kid stepping into the principal’s chair of a campus and district she already loves.
A retiring director whose years of service helped progress the department during times of growth.
It’s not just change—it’s continuity.
It’s not just new roles—it’s deep-rooted commitment.
And it’s a reminder, once again, of why it’s great to be a Wylie Bulldog.